50
PASCAL'S THOUGHTS
we have provoked, but meet again after two generations. They are still Frenchmen, but not the same.
123
He no longer loves the person whom he loved ten years ago. I quite believe it. She is no longer the same, nor is he. He was young, and she also; she is quite different. He would perhaps love her yet, if she were what she was then.
124
We view things not only from different sides, but with different eyes; we have no wish to find them alike.
125
Contraries.—Man is naturally credulous and incredulous, timid and rash.
126
Description of man: dependency, desire of independence, need.
127
Condition of man: inconstancy, weariness, unrest.
128
The weariness which is felt by us in leaving pursuits to which we are attached. A man dwells at home with pleasure; but if he sees a woman who charms him, or if he enjoys himself in play for five or six days, he is miserable if he returns to his former way of living. Nothing is more common than that.
129
Our nature consists in motion; complete rest is death.
130
Restlessness.—If a soldier, or labourer, complain of the hardship of his lot, set him to do nothing.